PSY 101 Exam 3 V3 | PSY 101 Foundations
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 3)
1. Which theory of motivation suggests that physiological needs create an aroused tension
state that motivates an organism to satisfy the need?
A. Drive-Reduction Theory
B. Arousal Theory
C. Hierarchy of Needs Theory
D. Incentive Theory
Answer: A
Rationale: Drive-reduction theory focuses on how internal states of tension push an
organism toward behavior that will reduce that tension. For instance, the feeling of hunger
creates a drive to seek food to restore homeostasis. This perspective emphasizes the
importance of physiological balance in maintaining biological stability.
2. According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, what is the correct sequence of events
when experiencing an emotion?
A. Emotional experience followed by physiological arousal
B. Physiological arousal followed by emotional experience
C. Physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously
,D. Cognitive appraisal followed by physiological arousal
Answer: B
Rationale: The James-Lange theory posits that our experience of emotion is our awareness
of our physiological responses to emotion-arousing stimuli. Essentially, we feel afraid
because we tremble, or sorry because we cry. This theory highlights the role of the body’s
autonomic reactions as the primary source of emotional feelings.
3. In Freud’s psychodynamic theory, which part of the personality represents the ‘executive’
that operates on the reality principle?
A. Id
B. Libido
C. Superego
D. Ego
Answer: D
Rationale: The Ego is the rational part of the personality that mediates between the
impulsive demands of the Id and the moralistic constraints of the Superego. It operates
according to the reality principle, seeking to satisfy the Id’s desires in realistic and socially
acceptable ways. Without the Ego, an individual would struggle to navigate the
requirements of the external world.
, 4. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs must be satisfied immediately after
physiological needs are met?
A. Belongingness and love needs
B. Self-actualization needs
C. Safety needs
D. Esteem needs
Answer: C
Rationale: Maslow’s hierarchy suggests that lower-level needs must be satisfied before an
individual can attend to higher-level needs. Once physiological requirements like food and
water are met, the focus shifts to safety needs, which include security and protection from
harm. Only after achieving a sense of safety can a person move toward social and
psychological growth.
5. What is the psychological term for the tendency to attribute others’ behavior to internal
dispositions rather than situational factors?
A. Self-serving bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Cognitive dissonance
D. Fundamental attribution error
Answer: D
of Psychology | StraighterLine | Q&A with
Rationale (StraighterLine PSY101 Exam 3)
1. Which theory of motivation suggests that physiological needs create an aroused tension
state that motivates an organism to satisfy the need?
A. Drive-Reduction Theory
B. Arousal Theory
C. Hierarchy of Needs Theory
D. Incentive Theory
Answer: A
Rationale: Drive-reduction theory focuses on how internal states of tension push an
organism toward behavior that will reduce that tension. For instance, the feeling of hunger
creates a drive to seek food to restore homeostasis. This perspective emphasizes the
importance of physiological balance in maintaining biological stability.
2. According to the James-Lange theory of emotion, what is the correct sequence of events
when experiencing an emotion?
A. Emotional experience followed by physiological arousal
B. Physiological arousal followed by emotional experience
C. Physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously
,D. Cognitive appraisal followed by physiological arousal
Answer: B
Rationale: The James-Lange theory posits that our experience of emotion is our awareness
of our physiological responses to emotion-arousing stimuli. Essentially, we feel afraid
because we tremble, or sorry because we cry. This theory highlights the role of the body’s
autonomic reactions as the primary source of emotional feelings.
3. In Freud’s psychodynamic theory, which part of the personality represents the ‘executive’
that operates on the reality principle?
A. Id
B. Libido
C. Superego
D. Ego
Answer: D
Rationale: The Ego is the rational part of the personality that mediates between the
impulsive demands of the Id and the moralistic constraints of the Superego. It operates
according to the reality principle, seeking to satisfy the Id’s desires in realistic and socially
acceptable ways. Without the Ego, an individual would struggle to navigate the
requirements of the external world.
, 4. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs must be satisfied immediately after
physiological needs are met?
A. Belongingness and love needs
B. Self-actualization needs
C. Safety needs
D. Esteem needs
Answer: C
Rationale: Maslow’s hierarchy suggests that lower-level needs must be satisfied before an
individual can attend to higher-level needs. Once physiological requirements like food and
water are met, the focus shifts to safety needs, which include security and protection from
harm. Only after achieving a sense of safety can a person move toward social and
psychological growth.
5. What is the psychological term for the tendency to attribute others’ behavior to internal
dispositions rather than situational factors?
A. Self-serving bias
B. Confirmation bias
C. Cognitive dissonance
D. Fundamental attribution error
Answer: D
